GOSAINKUNDA LAKE TREK
GOSAINKUNDA LAKE TREK
Bath in the pristine clear “holy” water of Gosainkunda Lake, a religious site and abode of Hindu deities Shiva and Gauri.
This is a short trek in the much less crowded and quiet Langtang Region of Nepal. Gosainkunda Lake is at an altitude of 4380 meters in the Rasuwa District. As it melts, after remaining frozen for 6 months of the year (October to March), it forms the Trishuli River. There are a total of 108 lakes in the vicinity. Lauribina La Pass (4610m) is also nearby.
Its waters are considered holy and of particular significance during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals when thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area. Gosainkunda is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (holy Trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
Langtang and in particular, Gosainkunda is located close to the Tibetan border. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking begin the trek to Gosainkunda at Dhunche Village in the Langtang Himal. On the first day, we reach the Langtang Region and take the trail that leads to Chandan Bari (3200m) and then to Laurebinayak (3700m) on day two and on following days to Sing Gompa, Lauribina (4610m), Gosainkunda, Phedi, Ghopte, Tharepati, Mangengoth, Kutumsang, Thodung and finally to our departure point Chisapani.
The journey explores the vast area between Langtang and Ganesh Himal and allows you to experience the unique culture, traditions and lifestyle of the Tamang people.
Besides Gosainkunda Lake, there are fantastic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and unique wildlife. The rhododendron forests, during spring, are ablaze with pink color. The trail passes through bamboo groves and alpine forests, and if luck has it you will also see the somewhat elusive red panda, or maybe the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr and rhesus monkeys. The birdlife is also abundant in this region. A reasonable level of fitness is required on this trek due to climbing at higher altitudes.
The Gosainkunda Lake -Langtang trek can be done all year – even in winter!
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is sure you will enjoy this less traveled trek that offers quiet and unspoiled scenery and a multitude of high altitude lakes.
Highlights of Gosainkunda Lake Trek
- A unique out of the way, a quiet sanctuary with fewer travelers.
- Stunning views of the Himalayas and holy lakes of Gosainkunda.
- Explore Tibetan culture and Villages.
- Witness unique wildlife and beautiful fauna and flora – meerkats, red panda.
- Visit Sing Gompa and Tamang villages.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (2,30m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We head north for about 5 to 7 hours driving through the scenic foothills out of Kathmandu until we reach Dhunche. The first leg of the journey takes us to Trishuli Bazaar and after along a gravel road until Dhunche where we stay the night. The type of transport we utilize will depend on road conditions. After heavy rainfall a 4WD is preferable.
Day 3 : Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3,250m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we have a 5 to 7-hour trek, firstly heading to The first part of the trails ascends to Ghatte Khola (river) where we cross over on a suspension bridge and then ascend to Sing Gompa along a trail through silver oak, pine and rhododendron forests..Sing Gompa is also home to an old cheese manufacturing plant. Tonight we stay at Sing Gompa.
Day 4 : Trek from Sing Gompa to Lauribina (3,910m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Leaving Sing Gompa we have our first views of Ganesh Himal as we follow the trail on the northern edge of a ridge before reaching Cholangpati Village. Ascending higher we come to Lauribina where we stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Lauribina to Gosainkunda (4,380m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
The trek today is about 2 to 3 hours along a trail with amazing views of many surrounding lakes. The main attraction here is Gosainkunda Lake. The trail gradually climbs higher passing lush meadows and ancient stone walls, Chortens, and Buddhist shrines. The first lake along this trail is Saraswati Kund that is quite a distance below us. The next lake we come to is the much larger Bhairab Kund. Just above the lake are stone figurines of Saraswati and Ganesh. A little further on the trail we reach Gosainkunda where we stay the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Gosainkunda to Ghopte (3,780m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our trek today takes us through Lauribina La Pass (4610m) can be treacherous if there has been a lot of snow. The trail winds its way past Dudh Kund, Ganesh Kund, and Surya Kund lakes. Leaving the pass we descend down a steep and rugged trail to the lodge at Phedi High Camp (4100m) that is now closed due to storm damage. We continue until we reach Phedi where we stay the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Ghopte to Tharepati (3,600m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we trek for 6 to 7 hours under imposing cliffs through juniper and rhododendron forests next to a river with occasional waterfalls cascading from above. We follow the trail as it descends to Mera Kharka (3566m) and then on toTharepati (3690m) with some fantastic views over Helambu Village. We follow a ridge that leads to Mangengoth. Tonight we stay at Tharepati.
Day 8 : Trek from Tharepati to Mangengoth (3,420m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Leaving Tharepati it is a relatively easy trek along a wide trail that offers views to the east and west with possible glimpses of Ganesh to Gaurishankar. The area is bounded by forest and a side trek to Kyuola Bhanjyang (3480m) is an option where you may see the elusive red panda and meerkats frolicking around..
Day 9 : Trek from Mangengoth to Kutumsang (2,470m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
The 4 to 5 hour trek today follows the ridge to Kutumsang with a rest stop at Sangugupte Village where we can have tea. We descend through the forest along a difficult path with steep steps and monkeys around us in the tree tops. Just before reaching Kutumsang is a white stupa. Tonight we stay at Kutumsang.
Day 10 : Trek from Kutumsang to Thodung (2,160m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today is quite a challenging trek as we head to Gul Zhanjiang and on to Gul Bhanjyang (2130) with its narrow streets and several lodges. Tonight we stay at Thodung.
Day 11 : Trek from Thodung to Chisapani (2,165m) 5-6 hours.
A 5 to 6 hour trek today is through a more humid region passing through Chipling (2170m) and Lapche with awesome panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges in the west and Chobo Bamare in the east. The trail heads downhill to Thankune Bhanjyang (1900m) and on to Pati Bhanjyang (1830). The trail along this section is rough but improves as we get closer to Chisapani where we stay the night. From here there are often spectacular sunset vistas.
Day 12 : Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal & drive to Kathmandu.
Today we trek for 3 to 4 hours through the sub-tropical forests of Shivapuri National Park then head through Borlang Bhanjyang pass at which point we descend through the forest down stone steps until we reach Malkharka (1855m). We reach Sundrajijal (1460m) from where we take a bus to Kathmandu.
Day 13 : Transfer to International Airport.
Today your adventure ends and you depart Nepal with fond memories and many photos of spectacular scenes from your trek to this amazing out of the way Langtang region of the Himalayas. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in this mountainous wonderful – Nepal.
SERVICES
Costs are included in your package.
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Two nights’ standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Kathmandu to Dhunche transportation by Local Bus & Sundarijal to Kathmandu transportations by private car.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- All necessary paperwork including Langtang National Park Entry Permit & Tims card fees.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Langtang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be an easy trek where you often have to walk 5-6 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
MAP
PHOTOS/Videos
Departures
Select a departure month
Fill out the form below and a Travel Expert will reach out to create your perfect tour.
FAQS
What is the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the Langtang region of Nepal. It takes you to the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, which is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and an opportunity to explore the local Tamang and Sherpa cultures.
How long is the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The duration of the Gosainkunda Lake Trek can vary depending on the starting point and the route taken. On average, it takes around 7-13 days to complete the trek.
What is the best time to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
The best time to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Is the Gosainkunda Lake Trek difficult?
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is considered a moderate-level trek. It involves walking on uneven terrain, ascending and descending steep trails, and crossing high mountain passes. Some prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
What permits are required for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
To trek in the Langtang region, you will need the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entry point of the Langtang National Park.
Are there tea houses or lodges along the trekking route?
Yes, there are several tea houses and lodges along the Gosainkunda Lake Trek route. These provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as ATMs are not available in the remote areas.
What should I pack for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Gosainkunda Lake Trek include trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, a water bottle, a first aid kit, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a hat. It is also recommended to carry some snacks and water purification tablets.
Is it safe to trek to Gosainkunda Lake?
Yes, trekking to Gosainkunda Lake is generally safe. However, it is important to trek with a licensed guide and follow their instructions. It is also recommended to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be prepared for any weather changes.
Can I do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek independently?
Yes, it is possible to do the Gosainkunda Lake Trek independently. However, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended for safety reasons and to enhance the overall trekking experience.
Are there any altitude-related risks on the Gosainkunda Lake Trek?
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness on the Gosainkunda Lake Trek, especially when crossing high mountain passes. It is important to acclimatize properly, ascend slowly, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. In case of severe symptoms, it is advisable to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical help.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 7 Reviews
Nicole
Australia
January 1, 2024
Gosainkunda lake
Gosainkunda lake situated at 4300 meters and it gives unique feeling alpine freshwater deep in the lake, many of Hindu and Buddhist people knee to visit once upon their life not only it is popular for the foreign trekkers too.
Jessica
Australia
December 6, 2023
Gosainkunda Helambu Trek!
This is a religious lake for Hindus and an exotic destination for tourists. During the month of April and took a dive in the lake I was nearly frozen. What a place to Explore. I loved to see small Kundas around the lake.
Aiden
Austria
November 7, 2023
Gosainkunda lake
Gosainkunda lake is one of the holy places for Hindu religion. there is a big festival once in a year called Gosainkunda mela. not only for Hindus this is the best place to visit foreigners to see the Himalayas and lakes.
Write Your Review
Average Customer Ratings
How The Travellers Have Rated This Package
7
0
0
0
0
People Considering This Package Right Now Check availability
